"SOF gave me the contact info of some specialists, a couple of years ago," Rae says, her left hand lightly holding her right wrist. She had never asked specialist in what? "I would've had to lie, and I was already sick of that just talking to SOF and the police."

The writing that adorns the Edo-period prints above the pale azure couch - a spot of coolness contrasted with the otherwise warmly-colored office - is unfamiliar to her, but fascinating still, with the faces of the figures represented there.

"White would be fine, yes."